After his turn with Padres brass, Black awaits 'great opportunity'

SAN DIEGO -- While the Padres interviewed Trey Hillman for theirmanagerial vacancy Thursday, Bud Black, another candidate, was enroute to Oregon for a weekend of rest and relaxation.

By the time Black returns to his Rancho Santa Fe home on Mondaynight, he could be one of two finalists for the job succeedingBruce Bochy. A favorite of general manager Kevin Towers, Black --the Angels' pitching coach for the past seven seasons -- receivedan opportunity to solidify his standing during a meeting thatlasted deep into Wednesday night.

"It was a great experience. I really enjoyed talking to them,"
Black said Thursday before boarding a flight. "In the present and
the future, it's a very attractive ballclub."

Black, a former San Diego State and major-league pitcher, isvalued for his work with an Angels staff that ranked among theAmerican League's top six each of the past six seasons. He, inturn, values a chance to manage a Padres staff that led theNational League in ERA last year.

"They have a very strong rotation," Black said. "It's a great
opportunity for anyone who gets this job."

Black said he wasn't told his position in a field of sixcontenders that expanded Wednesday with the addition of formerGiants and Cubs manager Dusty Baker, whose experience stands instark contrast to his competitors. Baker will interview on Monday,the same day Black speaks with the Oakland Athletics.

If Black does make the final cut, he will return next week for asecond interview with Padres owner John Moores and CEO Sandy
Alderson.

"It doesn't happen often that you're interviewed in the city in
which you live," Black said.

Hillman, who managed the Nippon Ham Fighters to the Japanesechampionship, completed his third interview for a managing job inthree days, following stops in Texas on Tuesday and Oakland onWednesday. As the Rangers' farm director in 2002, Hillman workedwith Grady Fuson, then the team's assistant GM and now the Padres'vice president of scouting and player development.

Halfway through the first round of interviews, Towers will
finish with Giants bench coach Ron Wotus today, former Dodgers
hitting coach Tim Wallach on Saturday and Baker on Monday.

Flannery reunites with Bochy

It would take a lot for Tim Flannery to leave his job as a
Padres broadcaster and his home in Encinitas, with the sun and surf
he loves so much.

What it took was a call early this week from Bochy, his good
friend and former boss, asking Flannery to join him in San
Francisco. Flannery couldn't say no and will become the third-base
coach under Bochy, the Giants' new manager.

It's the same role Flannery filled for seven seasons with the
Padres before being fired late in the 2002 season.

"For me, it's a chance to get back on the field and work for the
best manager in baseball," Flannery said. "I'm going back to what I
had taken away from me in 2002."

Flannery said his decision was made easier by a great salespitch from Giants GM Brian Sabean and the fact his contract withthe Padres' network expired Oct. 31.

"If they would have signed me three days ago, I never would have
taken the phone call (from the Giants)," Flannery said. "But
there's no anger. I thank the Padres for allowing me to do
broadcasting. I wouldn't have gone without Boch."

Piazza files

Padres catcher Mike Piazza filed for free agency, three days
after the team declined his $8 million option for 2007. The Padres
have said they would like to bring him back at a lower price.
Piazza is the 11th Padre to become a free agent.